Tequila is a popular liquor made from the blue agave plant commonly used in cocktails like the margarita or consumed as a shot. However, not everyone drinks alcohol for health, religious, or personal reasons. Luckily, many great-tasting non-alcoholic tequila substitutes still exist to enjoy your favorite drinks without the effects of alcohol.
Why drink non-alcoholic tequila substitutes?
Here are some top reasons to try non-alcoholic tequila substitute drinks:
Health benefits
Drinking less alcohol can provide health advantages like better sleep, weight loss, and reduced risk of diseases. Non-alcoholic tequila substitutes let you cut back on alcohol intake while still sipping on flavorful beverages.
Religious or personal beliefs
Some people abstain from alcohol consumption due to religious or personal beliefs. Non-alcoholic tequila substitutes allow you to participate in social drinking occasions while upholding your convictions.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Non-alcoholic tequila substitutes give expecting and nursing mothers refreshing drinks to enjoy without worries.
Operating vehicles
Drinking alcohol before driving is extremely dangerous. Non-alcoholic tequila substitutes let designated drivers and anyone planning to operate vehicles enjoy drink options without consuming liquor.
Recovery from alcoholism
People in recovery from alcohol abuse deserve enjoyable beverages too. Non-alcoholic tequila substitutes help former alcoholics stay sober while not feeling deprived during parties or nights out.
Popular non-alcoholic tequila substitutes
Seedlip Spice 94
This non-alcoholic spirit combines aromatic Jamaican allspice berry, cardamom, oak, and lemon to mimic tequila’s complex flavor. Mix tonic, grapefruit soda, or citrus juice for a refreshing, booze-free drink.
Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit
Lyres recreate the taste of premium Blanco tequila using agave extracts, citrus, spices, and flavors—Substitute Lyre’s Agave Blanco into any tequila cocktail for an authentic taste without the alcohol content.
Ritual Tequila Alternative
Ritual’s Tequila Alternative uses natural flavors like agave, vanilla, and botanicals to replicate aged tequila’s smooth yet complex taste. Use in margaritas, Palomas, and other mixed tequila drinks.
CleanCo Margarita Mocktail
This premixed non-alcoholic margarita uses lime juice, agave nectar, and natural flavors for an authentic margarita taste. Just pour over ice for a ready-to-drink tequila alternative.
Eden’s Agave Mocktail
A blend of agave syrup, lime, ginger, and soda creates this easy DIY tequila mocktail. Adjust agave and lime to taste preferences for a light or margarita-like solid flavor.
Monday Zero Alcohol Tequila
Monday Zero’s Alcohol-Free Tequila Alternative uses natural extracts for authentic agave flavor. Chill and sip straight or mix into cocktail recipes, calling for a reposado or añejo tequila.
Tips for choosing a non-alcoholic tequila substitute
Seek natural agave flavoring.
Quality tequila gets its signature flavor from the blue agave plant. Look for agave syrup or extracts on ingredients lists for the most authentic, tequila-like taste.
Consider your cocktail recipes.
Think about which cocktails you commonly make with tequila. Then select a non-alcoholic substitute with a complementary flavor profile.
Read alcohol-free spirit reviews.
Reviews from sober consumers can provide helpful insight into how realistic a booze-free spirit tastes compared to the real deal.
Sample various brands
Trying different alcohol-free tequila substitutes allows you to find the one most closely mimics your favorite real tequila.
Compare pricing
Alcohol-free spirits range widely in price. Finding an affordable option allows you to regularly enjoy tequila-based drinks at home without breaking the bank.
Mixing delicious non-alcoholic tequila cocktails
Virgin margarita
Blend lime juice, agave nectar, ice, and your tequila alternative for a classic refreshing margarita minus the alcohol.
Placebo Paloma
Stir together grapefruit soda, lime juice, agave, and tequila alternative over fresh ice for a satisfying booze-free Paloma.
Mockarita
Mix tequila substitute with lime sherbet and lemon-lime soda instead of margarita mix for a fun spin.
Faux-jito
Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sweetener, then combine with tequila alternative and club soda for a non-alcoholic mojito-margarita fusion.
Sunrise spirit-free
Layer orange juice, grenadine, and your preferred tequila swap in a glass. Garnish with an orange slice.
Conclusion
Tequila lovers need not give up their favorite spirit-based drinks because they avoid alcohol. Non-alcoholic tequila substitutes like Ritual Tequila Alternative, Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit, and CleanCo Margarita Mocktail make it possible to keep whipping up tasty tequila-based cocktails without a drop of liquor. Experiment with the many booze-free tequila swap options to find one with authentic agave flavor that suits your tastes and budget. Use in beloved recipes like margaritas, sunrises, and mojitos, or get creative with new mocktail combinations. With non-alcoholic tequila substitutes, you can happily sip on refreshingly spirited drinks anytime while benefiting your health. ¡Salud!
FAQs about non-alcoholic tequila substitutes
What’s the best tequila substitute for margaritas?
CleanCo Margarita Mocktail is a ready-to-pour premixed option made with natural lime and agave flavors that adds an authentic taste to margaritas without alcohol. Ritual Tequila Alternative and Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit also work well in DIY margarita recipes.
Do non-alcoholic tequila substitutes taste like real tequila?
The best substitutes come close to using natural flavors like agave and spices. However, non-alcoholic products can only partially replicate the complex taste of aged real tequila. Managing expectations helps.
Where can you buy non-alcoholic tequila substitutes?
Many are available online through the manufacturer’s website or alcohol delivery services like Drizly and Minibar Delivery. Some substitutes can also be found in well-stocked liquor stores.
Can you get drunk from non-alcoholic tequila substitutes?
You cannot get intoxicated from non-alcoholic tequila alternatives since they contain no alcohol. They aim to mimic the taste of real tequila, not its alcoholic effects.
Are there non-alcoholic mixes that taste like margaritas?
CleanCo Margarita Mocktail and Ritual Margarita Mix are shelf-stable powdered mixes containing lime and agave flavors that you add water or soda to for an instant booze-free marg.